10 Local Spots For Last-Minute Gifts Under $30
We’re sliding right into that awkward time of the year when you realize you forgot to buy (or make) a gift for someone this year and only have a couple more weeks to figure things out.
Below is a list of local shops that will have unique last-minute gifts perfect for that forgotten friend or family member. I kept in mind that there is a recession looming (well, actually probably already here). These gift ideas are fairly wallet-friendly using a budget of under $30 as our guideline.
Oaktown Spice
Address: Oaktown Spice has three locations in The Bay Area, Oakland, Albany, and Castro Valley
In my opinion, Oaktown Spice is the best spice shop in The Bay Area. Owner John Beaver was mentored by spice legend William Penzey, Sr. well before he moved to Oakland and opened up his shop with his wife. Beaver’s obsession with making the best quality spices is evident in his flavor combinations. My favorite is the Erbe Italiane di Lusso blend but they also have giftable spice boxes such as the Nosh Box at $23.25. Outside of the gift boxes, spice blends come in bags or jars. If you get your spice blend in a bag, you save a little coin and it can more easily be mailed to someone you adore.
https://oaktownspiceshop.com/
Sanfranpsycho
Address: Two San Francisco locations – one in the inner Sunset and one in The Haight
One thing I love about Sanfranpsycho is that they are constantly supporting their community through their business. I love seeing their regular collaborations with other businesses pop up. They are probably best known for their hoodies and tees but lately, I’ve been a super-fan of their accessories. My current fav beanie is from San Franpsycho ($30) and I’ve been eyeing the dog hoodie ($28 but some are on sale for less). Don’t you think it’s just so SF to have your pup in a hoodie? They also have a lot of clothing for kids and babies, many under $30.
https://sanfranpsycho.com/
Far West Cider Company
Address: Inside “The Riggers Loft Wine Co” 1325 Canal Boulevard Richmond, CA (also at many local farmers markets)
I was given a special protip to share. Apparently, this cider company is located in a place with “the most romantic sunsets”. Their ciders are the perfect blend of creativity, sweetness, and tart flavors. “Pie Crimes” is a great apple-pie-inspired cider that I could see someone bring to a holiday party as a “pie”. Whether you grab a 4-pack for under $30 as a holiday gift or head there for a special date night, you’ll love what Far West offers.
farwestcider.com
Dandelion Chocolate
Address: 740 Valencia is my favorite location to visit but they have several in San Francisco (such as on Fillmore or at The Ferry Building) and also locations in Las Vegas.
I walked into Dandelion a week or so ago for a little dessert after dinner with a friend. I was delighted to see all of the giftable options. Their Hot Cocoa mix is $18 and comes in a gorgeous glass container that looks super high-end for the price point. I also scooped up a bar of chocolate to send via snail mail. Their packaging looks so high-end that your recipient will think you paid way more for this yummy gift.
Dandelionchocolate.com
Jenny Lemons
Address: 3043 24th Street, San Francisco, CA
I absolutely love Jenny Lemons. They have the more adorable aesthetic – bright, cheerful and happy. This past year, Jenny Lemons launched hair accessories that match their whimsical clothing line. Most hair accessories are under $30 and, interestingly, are made from cellulose acetate, a plant-based & biodegradable alternative to plastic.
https://jennylemons.com/
Hostess Gifts from The San Francisco Flower Market
Address: 640 Brannan Street, San Francisco, California
Public hours are Wednesday-Saturday 8am-1pm.
I used to go here with one of my friends who is a florist and you’re probably best familiar with it as a place your local florist will go before they open up the shop. However, they do have public hours and it’s a great place for a hostess gift. With over 30 farms and vendors at the market, you’re sure to score something at a bit of a discount, too.
https://www.sanfranciscoflowermart.com/
Clement Street Might Be The Ultimate Last-Minute Gift Spot
While I was compiling this list, I realized that many of the shops I picked are all coincidentally off Clement Street in The Inner Richmond. Could this neighborhood be the go-to spot for gifts? It truly could be.
Foggy Notion
Address: 124 Clement St., San Francisco
I can’t remember the first time I went into Foggy Notion but it was probably when they first opened their shop just off Clement way back when. They feature tons of locally made goods which makes it a great stop if you have a last-minute gift need. The cozy socks ice dyed by Oakland artist Mira Blackman are a steal for $20. The Foggy Notion branded totes that are noteworthy because they are designed by the world-famous artist Alan Forbes, known for their badass concert posters for pretty much every cool band you’ve ever heard of.
foggy-notion.com
Wishing Well Workshop
Address: 252 Clement St, San Francisco
I met the owner of Wishing Well Workshop, Jake Savas, when he worked at The Blue Danube about a block away from his shop. When he finally opened Wishing Well, I was so excited for him because it was a wish of his for years (hence the name). As he had hoped, he created an active print shop with a small but mighty art supply section. When I’m in the area, I try to always pop in to grab a new paint brush or pen. Because Jake is an artist himself, the art supplies he offers are well-curated and high quality without being overpriced. Plus, he has a greeting card series designed by him that makes the perfect holiday snail mail for friends and family not so close by.
https://www.wishingwellsf.com/
Healthy Spirits
Address: 1042 Clement Street San Francisco, CA
But they have a total of 4 locations around San Francisco – additional locations are in The Mission, Bernal Heights, and The Castro.
Healthy Spirits is what I like to call “The Bookstore of Beer Spots”. When you walk into their Clement street location, there are two full walls of refrigerators packed full of beer and ciders & tons of other spirits you’ll love. You can go in there and ask for recommendations based on what you know someone might like and end up with a seriously amazing find. Because of this, I think it’s a great place to shop for a gift to give that beer-loving friend or family member.
Healthyspirits.com
Fleetwood SF
Location: 714 Clement Street, San Francisco
My last recommendation is Fleetwood SF. Fleetwood by far is my favorite shirt shop in SF and they also carry a slew of other locally made goods. Honestly though, their shirts are the way to go as a last-minute gift. I absolutely covet the design they created with Old Crow Tattoo, Fleetwood x Gracie CT Flowers Tee, which is just $28. Collaborations are so great because you support multiple people all at the same time.
fleetwoodsf.com
Speaking of collaboration… They just came out with a Broke-Ass Stuart gift box which is ah-mazing. My plan is scoop one of these up and split the box up among a few friends. But even if you get one box to gift one person, it’s worth way more than what you pay for it & supports both a small business and our site. For $45 It includes:
The Broke-Ass gift box contains:
- Slouching Toward Neverland zine by Broke-Ass Stuart
- SF Skyline Totebag // Fleetwood SF
- 6 oz. Flask // Fleetwood SF
- SF Enamel Pin // Everyday Olive
- Beer Koozie // Fleetwood SF x Broke-Ass Stuart